A north Belfast man who sexually abused his best friend has been jailed for 10 months.

The father-of-two, who can’t be named to protect his victim, was also put on the sex offenders' register for the next 10 years. The 29-year-old had pleaded guilty to the sexual assault of a female friend.

Prosecution lawyer Tessa Kitson said although the man had drank a 10-glass bottle of vodka and had “voiced affection” for the girl, which had worried her, she had remained in his company along with another friend.

However, after falling asleep she awoke to find the man touching her. She immediately fled from the house, with the man texting her, “indicating he was sorry and regretted what he'd done”.

Jailing him, Judge David Mc Farland said the case fell into the lowest sentencing range, and while it was unfortunate he had not pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, his offending was opportunistic while he was disinhibited through alcohol.